Annalise Murphy leads Radial fleet at the Sailing World Cup Miami
by Rachel Solon, Irish Sailing Association 31 Jan 2013 12:58 GMT
26 January - 2 February 2013
Irish sailor Annalise Murphy starting at the pin end during the ISAF Sailing World Cup Miami © Walter Cooper /
www.waltercooperphoto.com
Irish sailor Annalise Murphy leads the field at the mid-way point of the Sailing World Cup regatta in Miami. It is Murphy's first competitive event since capturing the nation's attention at the London Olympics. The 29 boat Laser Radial fleet have had three days racing and six races in fantastic conditions on Biscayne Bay, Miami.
Annalise's first day on the water resulted in a 5th and a 6th place. On day two she took a stranglehold on the event and a strong performance from the Dubliner, scoring a 2nd and a 1st, catapulted her into the overnight lead. Day three produced similar results as she won one race and placed 3rd in the other, maintaining her lead overall. In close pursuit is American Paige Railey who was a medal race finalist in London and a bronze medallist from the 2011 World Championship.
The second half of the regatta comprises a further five races, which will be sailed today (Thursday) and Friday. After racing on Friday, the top ten will advance to the medal race on Saturday. ISA Performance Director James O'Callaghan remarked "It is great to see Annalise back competing. Her hunger for success makes her a great role model for our young sailors coming through our ISA programmes".
Meanwhile in the men's Laser fleet, 19 year old Philip Doran has had a solid debut in one of the most competitive Olympic classes. Philip has had five top 20 results leaving him in 31st place from a total of 70 boats. It means he is assured of GOLD fleet racing for the next two days.
In the Paralympic classes, John Twomey, Ian Costello and American sailor Bradley Johnson have put in a great performance in the Sonar class. With four top three results they currently lie in second place overall on a total of 14 points.
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